What You Need to Do to Transfer a Title in California

In California, you transfer a vehicle title by submitting form REG 135 (process for Title or Registration) to the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and payment. The DMV processes most title transfers within two to three weeks if you submit everything correctly by mail or in person. If you buy or receive a vehicle in California, you must transfer the title into your name within 10 days — waiting longer can result in penalties and registration holds.

The exact documents you need depend on whether you are buying the car, inheriting it, receiving it as a gift, or transferring it from out of state. California does not allow online title transfers, so you will either mail your documents to your local DMV office or visit in person.

Key Takeaways

  • California requires form REG 135, proof of ownership (the current title), a bill of sale, and a check or money order to transfer a title.
  • You have 10 days from the date of purchase or transfer to submit your title process, or the DMV can place a hold on your registration.
  • Title transfer fees in California range from $15 to $70 depending on the vehicle type and whether you are also registering it for the first time.
  • If the seller's name on the title does not match the bill of sale exactly, the DMV will reject your process and return it for correction.
  • Out-of-state titles must be submitted with a completed form REG 135 and a smog certification (if the vehicle is subject to California emissions rules).

Documents You Must Submit to the California DMV

The foundation of any California title transfer is form REG 135, which you can read from the DMV website or pick up at any DMV office. You must sign this form in front of a notary public or a DMV employee — signing it at home and mailing it in is not acceptable. The form asks for your name, address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the current owner's information.

You also need the current title certificate signed by the seller. If the title is lost, the seller can request a duplicate from the DMV using form REG 227 before the sale. The title must show the seller's name exactly as it appears on the bill of sale — if there is a mismatch (for example, "John Smith" on the title but "J. Smith" on the bill of sale), the DMV will reject the process.

A bill of sale is required even if no money changed hands. California does not have a single official bill of sale form, but the DMV accepts any written agreement that includes the seller's name and signature, the buyer's name, the VIN, the sale date, and the sale price (or "gift" if no payment occurred). Many sellers and buyers use the bill of sale template on the California DMV website, but a handwritten version on plain paper is legally valid as long as it contains these elements.

Finally, you must include payment for the title transfer fee. In California, this fee is typically $15 for a standard title transfer, but can reach $70 if you are also registering the vehicle for the first time or if the vehicle is a commercial vehicle. Pay by check or money order made out to the "Department of Motor Vehicles" — the DMV does not accept cash by mail.

How to Handle Out-of-State Titles

If you are moving to California with a vehicle registered in another state, you must transfer the title to California within 20 days of establishing residency. Submit the out-of-state title along with form REG 135, a bill of sale, and proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within 60 days).

Vehicles registered in other states are also subject to California's smog certification rules. Unless your vehicle is brand new, was manufactured in the current or previous model year, or is a diesel vehicle, you will need a smog certification from a Bureau of Automotive Repair-certified station. This certification costs between $30 and $50 and is valid for 90 days. You must submit the smog certificate along with your title transfer documents, or the DMV will not issue a California title.

Some states do not issue paper titles — they keep titles in an electronic database. If your previous state uses electronic titling, contact that state's DMV to request a paper title be issued and mailed to you before you move. This can take two to four weeks, so plan ahead if you are relocating.

Title Transfer Fees and Processing Time

California's title transfer fee is $15 for most vehicles. However, if you are transferring a title and registering the vehicle at the same time (which is common for new owners), you will also pay registration fees, which vary based on the vehicle's value and type. A vehicle worth $10,000 typically costs $200 to $300 in registration fees on top of the $15 title fee.

The DMV processes title transfers by mail within 10 to 15 business days under normal conditions, though processing can take up to three weeks during busy periods. If you submit documents in person at a DMV office, you may receive your new title the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload. The DMV will mail your new title certificate to the address you provide on form REG 135.

If the DMV finds an error in your process — such as a signature missing, a name mismatch, or an incomplete bill of sale — it will return your documents by mail without processing them. You will then need to correct the error and resubmit, which adds another two to three weeks to the timeline. To avoid this, double-check that all names match exactly across the title, bill of sale, and form REG 135 before mailing.

What Happens If You Miss the 10-Day important date

California law requires you to transfer a title within 10 days of purchase. If you miss this important date, the DMV can place a hold on your vehicle's registration, which means you cannot legally drive it or renew your registration. The hold remains in place until you submit your title transfer process.

Missing the important date does not result in a fine from the DMV itself, but it can create problems if you are pulled over — your registration will show as invalid. Additionally, if you try to sell the vehicle before transferring the title into your name, the buyer will not be able to register it, and you may face liability issues if the vehicle is involved in an accident while still registered to the previous owner.

If you are past the 10-day window, submit your title transfer process as soon as possible. Include a brief explanation of the delay in a cover letter. The DMV will process late applications, though you should be prepared for the registration hold to remain in place until the new title is issued.

Title Transfers for Inherited or Gifted Vehicles

If you inherit a vehicle, the process is similar to a purchase, but you will need additional documents. Submit the current title, form REG 135, and a bill of sale that states "gift" or "inheritance" instead of a sale price. You will also need to provide proof of your right to inherit — typically a death certificate and either a will, a probate court order, or a statement from the estate executor.

For a vehicle received as a gift from a family member or friend, you still need a bill of sale that clearly states "gift" and includes both the giver's and your signature. Even though no money changed hands, California requires this document to establish the transfer of ownership. The gift vehicle is subject to the same 10-day transfer important date as a purchased vehicle.

Where to Submit Your Title Transfer process

You can submit your title transfer process by mail to your local DMV office or visit in person. To find your local office and its mailing address, use the DMV's office locator on its website — mail sent to the wrong address will be returned or delayed. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and a brief description of what you are submitting (for example, "Title transfer for 2015 Honda Civic, VIN 12345678").

If you visit in person, bring the original title, your completed and signed form REG 135, the bill of sale, and payment. You will need to have your form REG 135 notarized or signed in front of a DMV employee at the office. Some DMV offices have notaries on staff; others do not. Call your local office before you visit to confirm whether you can have the form notarized there or whether you need to bring a pre-notarized copy.

The DMV does not accept title transfer applications by email or through its online portal. Online services are available for registration renewal and some other transactions, but title transfers must be submitted in person or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle before the title is transferred into my name?

No. Once you own the vehicle, you must have it registered in your name to drive it legally. You can drive it home from the seller's location on the day of purchase if the current registration is still valid, but after that you need to have submitted your title transfer process. Many buyers submit their process the same day they purchase the vehicle to avoid this gap.

What if the seller's name on the title has changed since the vehicle was purchased?

The seller must have the title corrected before the sale. If the seller's name on the title does not match their current legal name, they can request a corrected title from the DMV using form REG 227. This takes one to two weeks. Do not accept a title with a name mismatch — the DMV will reject your transfer process.

Do I need a smog certification if I am transferring a title for a vehicle I already own?

No. Smog certifications are required only when you register a vehicle in California for the first time or when you transfer an out-of-state title. If you are transferring a title between two California residents, no smog certification is needed.

What if I lose the bill of sale after I purchase the vehicle?

You can create a new bill of sale as long as you have the seller's contact information and can get their signature. If the seller is unavailable or unwilling to sign, contact your local DMV office to ask about alternative documentation — in some cases, a notarized statement from you describing the transaction may be accepted, though this is less common.

How do I check the status of my title transfer process?

The DMV does not offer a way to track title transfer applications online. If you submitted by mail, allow 10 to 15 business days for processing. If you have not received your new title after three weeks, contact your local DMV office with your process details and ask them to check the status manually.